Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Dawn at dawnarne@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
Benefits/Fundraisers
Turkey Shoots at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove) in Cherokee, N.C. Good fun, great prizes, great benefits.
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- Dec. 6 at 3 p.m., for Jesse Welch Jr. and family
- Dec. 13 at 3 p.m., fundraiser for Rez Heat travel league basketball team
EBCI Community Events
Blood Drive. Donate in Honor of Bambi Armachain Sneed.Nov. 24 from 11:30 a.m. – 3: 30 p.m. at the Pam Taylor Gym 10 Old Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719 To make an appointment call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Painttown.
Free Spaghetti Dinner. Nov. 24 starting at 5 p.m. at the Painttown Community Building 59 Magnolia Ln, Whittier., NC 28789. If you or someone you know could use a warm meal, come enjoy homemade spaghetti, fellowship and community. All are welcome.
Tsalagi Aniwonisgi Didanvdadisdi (Cherokee Speakers Memorial Day) event. Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. at the Kalvgviditsa Tsalagi Aniwonisgi Tsunatsohisdihi (Cherokee Speakers Place) in Cherokee, N.C. This ceremony will honor the lives of the first language Cherokee speakers who passed in 2025. There will be remarks, flag presentation, and a Memorial bell ringing. Refreshments will be served after the event. Info: Kayla Pheasant (828) 359-6404, kaylphea@ebci-nsn.gov, or Scarlett guy a scarguy@ebci-nsn.go
Gadugi Fest. Nov. 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Yellowhill Activity Center 1416 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719 Presented by the EBCI Community and RezHope.
Big Y Thanksgiving Dinner. Nov. 27 starting at 12 p.m. at Big Y Gym 2641 Wrights Creek Rd, Cherokee. NC. 28719. Bring a side dish or dessert. All are welcome, come join us.
Christmas Bazaar. Dec 2 and 3 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrell Sports & Recreation Center 1212 Birdtown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Dec. 2 will have Indian dinners, Dec. 3 will have Indian tacos. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus both days. Presented by Brothers In The Wind. To reserve a table call Lisa (828) 788-1708.
Snowbird Christmas Bazaar.Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Jacob Cornsilk Complex 60 Snowbird School Rd., Robbinsville, NC. 28771. Wildflower Café (coffee) 8:30 a.m. and The Food Crue (tacos & tamales) at 10 a.m.
Birdtown Christmas Bazaar. Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrell Sports & Recreation Center 1212 Birdtown Rd. Cherokee, NC. 28719. Arts & Crafts, food & drinks, and so much more. More information call Amanda Tortalita (828) 269-8063.
Christmas Bazaar, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Pam Taylor Painttown Gym 10 Old Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Indian dinners starting at 11am $15. Sponsored by NAIWA, for tables contact Lucille Wolfe at (828)736-5285
Christmas Childcare.Dec. 7 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Cherokee Choices 806 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee,NC. 28719. Ages 5+, $15 a child/ sibling discount. Christmas crafts, movies and fun, hosted by NAIWA Daughters.
Cherokee Christmas Bazaar.Dec. 12 and 13 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Yellowhill Community Activity Building 1416 Acquoni Rd Cherokee, NC. 28719. Enjoy Christmas shopping with multiple vendors. Contact Angie Garcia (828) 778-4585.
Tsalagi Magical Christmas Parade. Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., Downtown Cherokee, Cherokee, NC. 28719. For more information contact the Cherokee Welcome Center (828)359-6491 or email chriswatt@ebci-nsn.gov
Ollie Bird Descendants Family Dinner. Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Rock Springs Baptist Church Upper Room, 129 Old Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. RSVP (828) 788-5563
Family Safety Giving Trees. Now till Dec. 15 visit one of the Giving Tree locations, listed on flyer. Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at Family Safety Building 117 John Crowe Hill Dr., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Family Safety invites you to make a difference this holiday season by sponsoring a child from the Giving tree.
Post #143 Meeting and Christmas Dinner. Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrel Sports and recreation Complex 1212 Birdtown Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Santa & Mrs. Clause will be onsite to visit with the Post and Bring Joy.
Yellowhill Community Christmas Lights Contest. Judging on Dec. 19, 1st place $ 300, 2nd place $200, 3rd place $100 winners announced at Yellowhill Christmas Dinner. To enter your house for judging, call Virginia at (828)788-8659.
Cherokee Cultural/Historic Events
Cherokee History & Stories with Kathi Littlejohn (EBCI). Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People TJ Holland Education Room in Cherokee, N.C. Storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn (EBCI) offers an accessible lecture on Cherokee history. Topics vary monthly.
Quallatown Makers. Will update as new dates are provided. Quallatown Makers is a free opportunity to gather as a group and be together while working on art. The goal of this group, organized and hosted by Museum of the Cherokee People, is to perpetuate Cherokee art and knowledge-sharing. Bring your own craft; all artforms are welcome. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks. Can follow the group on Facebook.
Cherokee Winter Social. Jan. 31, 2026 at the Peaches Squirrel Sports & Rec. Complex 1212 Birdtown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. MC: Catcuce Tiger. Everyone Welcome! Traditional Dress & Ribbon Shirts/ Skirts encouraged. All Cherokee Singers welcome, bring your rattles & drums. Food provided by Nikki’s Frybread.
EBCI Community Regular Meetings
NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.
NAIWA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for Aug. 10 and Sept. 14.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Meetings
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Qualla Housing Committee. Nov. 20 at 8:30 a.m.
Confirmation Hearing for Tagan Crowe to the Qualla Enterprises, LLC Board of Directors. Nov. 24 at 9 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Ord. No. 39 (Establishment of a Fire and Rescue Commission). Nov. 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Res. No. 27 (Requirement for Executive and Dinilawigi to provide reports). Dec. 16 at 9 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Res. No. 28 (Weighted Vote). Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Res. No. 30 (Transparency in Tribal Government, Legistar). Dec. 16 at 11 a.m.
Work Session on Beloved Women. Dec. 16 at 1 p.m.
Pow Wow Listings
Carolina Good Medicine Pow Wow. Nov. 21-23 at Camp Ho Non Wah in Wadmalaw Island, S.C. MC: Chris Bryant. Head Southern Singer: Homer Dearmin. Info: James Barton (843) 557-7038, chairmain@carolinagoodmedicine.org
Poarch Creek Indians 53rd Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow, Nov. 27 – 28, 6477 Jack Spring Rd., Atmore, Al. 36502.Emcee: Marty Thurman A.D: Daniel Tramper Host Northern Drum: Blackstone Host Southern Drum: Southern Thunder Host Local Drum: Medicine Tail. Info: eventstaff@pci-nsn.gov or (251)368-9136 ext 2052.
Prairie Unity Competition Pow Wow. Dec. 19-21 at Stride Place in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada. Emcees: Clifton Goodwill and Ricky White. Host Drum: Dakota Hotain. Info: Ralph Francis (204) 870-9713 or Joan Smoke (204) 871-4668, or email info@prairieunity.ca
Christmas by the Sea Pow Wow. Dec. 20-21 at Imperial Beach Pier Plaza in Imperial Beach, Calif. MC: Randy Edmonds. Host Northern Drum: Dancing Cloud. Host Southern Drum: Red Warriors. Info: (619) 708-7858, grassdancer7@yahoo.com
Cheyenne Arapaho Labor Day Pow Wow Committee Fundraiser/Benefit Pow Wow. Dec. 28 at the Emergency Response Center Building in Concho, Okla. MC: Marshal Williamson. Head Singer: Howard Cozad. Info: (405) 889-6949, (580) 791-1689, (405) 570-3776, or (580) 210-3345
Pechanga Pow Wow, Jan. 9-11, 2026, Pechanga Resort Casino 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temacula, CA. 92592. Emcees: Bart Powaukee, Howie Thomson. Invited Drums: Eyabay, Ho Chunk Station, Leading Arrow, Meskwaki Nation, Omaha Whitetail, Sizzortail, Whitefish Jr., Wild Rose. Info: powwow@pechanga.com or call 888-PECHANGA
Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow, Jan. 30 – 31, 2026, at Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl. 33314. Emcees: Juaquin Hamilton, Ruben Little Head. Pow wow Info: Eugenia Osceola (954) 594-2992 or Rochelle Osceola (954) 805-1623.
Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org
Western N.C. and Beyond Events
Day After Thanksgiving Hike. Nov. 28 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW., Cleveland, TN. 37311. FREE, meet at the Visitor Center. Skip the stores and get outdoors! Join us for a tour of the historic Red Clay Council Grounds this Black Friday. Learn about the history and culture of the Cherokee at Red Clay in the 1830s while viewing our replica structures, the Eternal Flame Memorial, and the Blue Hole Spring. Call(423) 478-0339 to register for the event.
Swain Genealogy Holiday Potluck. Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Swain County Business Ed. Center at 45 East Ridge Dr. in Bryson City, N.C. Bring your favorite covered dish of your favorite holiday food to share. The program will be Curtis Blanton presented an original Christmas story set in the time of our ancestors. Info: www.genealogy.org
Christmas Candlelight Tours. Dec. 5, 6, 12, and 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Shelton House 49 Shelton St., Waynesville, NC. 28786, for an evening of fun. Tours begin at the front porch of the house, where you will be escorted inside to our dining room for drinks and hors d’ouvres. Additionally, harpist Tina Morgan will be playing live music for your enjoyment. After you get settled in, you will receive a tour of the house decorated for the holidays, illuminated by seasonal lights! Live foliage throughout the home, generously provided by the Waynesville Garden Club and Mountain View Garden Club, are sure to make you feel festive. Spaces for the tours are limited, so make sure you reserve your spot now by purchasing tickets. Call(828)452-1551.
Asheville Anime Fest. Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Haywood park Hotel One Battery Park Ace., Asheville, NC. 2880. Asheville Anime-Fest is an anime collectors’ mecca convention located in the beautiful City of Asheville, North Carolina. Striving to be North Carolina’s best and truest anime convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres. As a long-time collector of anime, manga and pop culture items the promoter brings North Carolina an event that will satisfy all anime fandom! Information: www.ashevilleanimefest.com
Christmas at Red Clay. Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW., Cleveland, TN. 37311. There will be 4 tours to sign up for. Come enjoy a lantern-lit tour of the historic Red Clay Council Grounds, led by a living history guide from the 19th century. Learn about the Cherokees’ activities during the harsh winter months and the missionaries’ impacts on Cherokee life. Call (423) 889-3249 to register.